Kelpie Boyfriend: Reece (special preview)

Reece’s smile is sweet and awkward. “It couldn’t have helped after you were thrown into the lake.”

“It was a shock,” I chuckle.

It’s quiet for a long spell. I then go back to the well to try and fetch the water I was supposed to get. I try to crank the handle, but my hands are still shaky and weak from the experience.

“Can I help you?” Reece comes up beside me.

“I’m sorry to be a bother,” I huff.

Reece chuckles. “No bother at all. I don’t mind.” He starts cranking up the rope. “Why would he throw you into the lake? That’s what I can’t understand.”

I fidget with my wet clothes. They feel heavy and the scent of the lake lingers on them so strong. “I’m afraid of water.”

Reece stops pulling up the bucket all of a sudden and turns to look at me. “You’re afraid of water?” He repeats.

I frown and look away. “My mom used to tell me all sorts of scary stories about the water!” I huff. “She said that there are things under the surface that will try to trick you.” I then frown and sigh. “Oh no.” I place my palm against my forehead. “I’m sorry.”

Reece chuckles. “No. Your mother was right to warn you. My parents have lured many an unsuspecting soul into their clutches.” He pulls out my bucket full of water for me. “It’s getting darker, we should get you home.”

I walk beside him and as we get closer to town, I can hear my mother yelling for me. Once she sees me, she runs up and grabs me. 

“What happened? Why are you soaked to the bone?” She gasps. “Are you ok? Who is this?” She looks up at Reece with a horrible glare on her face. 

“It’s a long story, Mom,” I tell her. “This is Reece. He helped me today.”

“Good lord, you’re a thin one!” My mom takes the bucket of water from him. “Get inside, Simone, and change. And you!” My mother turns to Reece. “Come inside and eat something.”

“Oh, I uh-” Reece gasps as my mother pulls him into the house. 

I get changed and wash the lake water from my skin. I tie my hair back so it forms a large poof at the back of my head. I would have to wash it tonight so the smell didn’t stick in it.  I come out in dry clothes to see my mother and aunts fussing over Reece and getting him to eat heaping portions of the dinner my Dad made.

My Dad and big brother operate a popular restaurant in town and my Dad is one of the best chefs around. His cooking could comfort even the most savage of beasts. My Dad is laughing, watching as the women of the family fuss at Reece for being such a string bean.

“You ok, Simone?” Dad asks. He pulls me into a hug and I instantly feel the stress melt away. 

“I’m fine,” I sigh.

“What happened?” Dad pulls me up beside the fire where he fixes me a plate. “We heard a couple guys in the restaurant today bragging they got to dunk the Scaredy Cat.”

I scoff and start shoving food into my mouth. “It was Tom,” I grumble.

My Dad’s expression goes dark and he shakes his head. “Say no more, Simone.” He glances back to the table and chuckles. “This the fellow who saved you?”

“Kind of.” I say, watching Reece take big bites to appease my aunts.

After dinner and a round of coffee, I take Reece to the door to tell him goodbye. “Thanks again for your help.” I offer him the plate of leftovers. “Take this to your Mom and Dad. Tell your Mom thanks again from me.”

Reece chuckles. “I had fun tonight. The food was excellent.”

“I’ll let my Dad know,” I say with a nod.

Reece starts to walk away but stops. He turns back to me with a serious expression. “You don’t need to be afraid of the water, Simone. At least, not when I’m around.”